Utah student gored in Pamplona bull run

Patrick Eccles is gored by an "El Pilar" fighting bull during the running of the bulls at the San Fermin festival, in Pamplona, Spain, July 12. (Olivia Aguirre/AP)

A University of Utah student was gored Friday during the danger-filled sixth running of the bulls at this year's San Fermin festival in the Spanish city of Pamplona.

Patrick Eccles, 20, of Logan, and two Spaniards were gored in the run, according to regional authorities for the government of Navarra. Eccles was studying abroad in Spain, though not apparently in a U. program.

Eccles is studying architecture and business and graduated from Logan High School, according to a biography on a University of Utah website. University spokesman Keith Sterling confirmed Eccles is a student.

Eccles' father, Vince Eccles, said his son was working as an intern for a mobile app developer based in Spain. Vince Eccles said he had no idea that his son was planning on participating in the dangerous event. The only indication Eccles gave to his parents was an off-the-cuff remark about running with the bulls before he left, Vince Eccles said, but it seemed like just a "fanciful idea" at the time. Still, the parents made sure to tell Eccles that it wouldn't be a good idea, he said.

"He's not really one to pursue danger," Vince Eccles said of his son. Instead, Eccles is "a bit of a romantic" and probably ran to take in the culture, he said.

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Vince Eccles said he plans to fly to Spain to discuss his son's treatment in more detail with doctors. The internship was supposed to end in late July, but Patrick's father may try to convince his son to come home early. So far, Vince Eccles hasn't spoken to his son directly, he said.

"We're kind of thinking it's time for him to come home and recuperate here," he said.

Eccles was hospitalized and his spleen was removed after doctors found the bull's horn had gone through his abdominal cavity and punctured the nonvital, blood-filtering organ, according to Navarra Hospital chief Javier Sesma. He said the young man was stable.

Mike Favero coached Eccles on the Logan High School football team, where Eccles played wide receiver.

"Obviously, he's a risk taker and a risk seeker and a competitive guy," he said. "He's that kind of kid — he's not afraid to fail, and those are the kids that are the most successful, those that take chances and aren't afraid."

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